Nativity play invite

Just to update , My DIL has phoned the Head teacher and given him a piece of her mind ( politely)! She will make a complaint to the governors after Christmas . To be told that two tickets were to be allocated for each child then finding that they were on a first come first served basis she is a little concerned that the Head teacher does not understand the term `allocated` she said .

Sylvie1 That is hard and very hurtful and I do understand how you feel as that is the same sort of situation as I find myself. We have always helped out and been willing to give our DiL a break etc ....but for whatever reason she struggles to share the special things as you describe. If any sort of child care is needed I will be asked, if not then I am excluded. So when extra tickets are offered for the nativity play I am not given one! I don't think my son is aware of many of the things that happen and I try to avoid causing a problem as I would never want to come between them I just wish I could understand why sharing these experiences is so difficult. My own children loved it when either set of Grandparents could attend anything they were doing!

f77ms that is disgraceful on both fronts. Can you persuade your daughter to complain firstly to the parent governor?

I'm not sure it's even legal to change for FC if he's just in attendance during normal school dinners.

f77ms that's appalling. I hope your DIL and other parents are going to make a fuss. Apart from the ticket issue, charging to see FC is disgraceful! As you say the meal is already paid for, so what was the payment for?
How awful for the children whose parents could not afford the extra! How were they made to feel? Did they eat elsewhere?

I would be writing to the school governing body to ask some questions.

My Lovely DIL was so upset yesterday , she had been told two tickets per child allowed for the concert , she has 2 children at the same school but when she went to collect the tickets was told "sorry they have all gone " ! What is going on in schools these days !! My son listed all the events this month for which they have been required to pay money , it is never ending apparently . The one that got me was £6 each to have lunch with Father Christmas , usual school lunch already paid for but FC is in attendance . My DIL is a feisty girl normally but doesn`t want to rock the boat for her children by kicking up a fuss .

Oh dear, Sylvie1. How sad for you.

Just thought I would let you know that I understand exactly how you feel. When my first DGD was born, my H and I were both so happy, glad to do anything we could to help. We are older grandparents (in our 70's) but we still looked after GD for a full day a week at first to give DIL a break and then two days when she wanted to return to work. She said she appreciated this and we said all we ask is that we be included in Christmas concerts, sports days etc. where GPs can attend. When GD started pre-school we waited for an invitation. It didn't come so I asked when the Nativity play was and her reply was "Oh, they are not having one this year" which I thought was odd but thought no more about it. My S knew nothing of this and called in a few days later and as he was leaving he showed me some photos on his phone of, you have guessed it, the Nativity with my gorgeous little gd as an angel. I cried. All I can say is I think you will have to do what I have done and steel yourself against these disappointments, it is just so hurtful and I think in my case the lie was the worse part. It probably has nothing to do with your S, it will most likely be his wife. I do send you good wishes and hope next year will be different for you.

I managed to see all three DGC in their plays this year. One traditional nativity at the twins church school where one was a star and one a King ,who lost his hat walking the " long journey " round the school hall to find the baby Jesus . The star sang her and everybody else's lines with great gusto . The other DGD was also a star in a Father Christmas story . It was her first performance and I fully expected her to be very shy and throw a wobbly . But she blossomed and twinkled beautifully. Loved it all ??

I was at eldest DGS's Christmas concert. Not a nativity, only each class coming on and singing two popular Christmas songs - not a carol in sight. DD was very glad that I was there, as DGD, aged three, was not for sitting quietly, and had to be removed quite early on, leaving only myself to be 'there' for DGS. Two performances for each half of the school, and no ticket allocation.

Last year I was unable to go to the Reception Class' Nativity play as numbers were restricted, this year as there were more tickets/performances in the Y1 and Y2 performance we were able to see my DGS. It was a great chance to laugh and cry at a thrilled DGS who looked angelic although he is normally a little pickle.

However, my DGD (in a different school) who is in Reception was not allowed more than 2 tickets to a single performance. I did ask my daughter to see if there were spare tickets but she just said there was no point, it was 2 tickets per child full stop. She did take a little video though and although DGD was the grumpiest innkeeper you ever did see (she had thought she was going to be Mary), she did beam broadly for the camera which was lovely to see.

Hopefully I will get a chance to see a live performance next year because my DGS is moving away after Xmas.

I wasn't able to see my 4 year old grandson in his Christmas performance - he was Alien #1, but today he sang one of the songs all the way through to me while we were walking through our local wood - delightful . We've had our family Christmas gathering so it's all quiet from now on.

Only 2 tickets per family at my DGC school - parents always (rightly) attend!

I am glad I was not invited to see a granddaughter playing a lobster in her nativity play. I think I might have found the script somewhat upsetting

Maggie. I agree . I marketed an Indian restaurant and I suggested they celebrated Diwali. They gave sweets away and had live Indian music. It was amazing and got their restaurant noticed and the local newspapers. It's great to celebrate other festivals.

What a shame, Lyndie. I worked in a multicultural school and all the families took part enthusiastically in carol services, Christmas Fairs, etc. Most of the children in the Nativity play were from families of Pakistani origin and all their parents came along to watch. The only children who were withdrawn were Jehovah's Witnesses. We celebrated Eid, Diwali, etc, as well, so there was always something going on!

Yes there are definitely restrictions nowadays on numbers. Health and safety goes mad. I'd love to go, but know I can't unless parents unable to go. It's a shame, but that's how it is in most schools for sure

I attended my gd nativity. It was lovely. She is 5. Then I attended my gs Christmas concert. It was shameful. No nativity. The children just sang popular Christmas songs. No carols. The school is multi cultural. The HT even said happy holiday. The Christmas story is about persecution, immigration, generosity and kindness. For non believers. Is it just me that gets disappointed by our culture Being ignored?

At my DGD's school infant schol it is only 2 tickets per family, so they may be telling the truth. My DiL had one ticket and she asked my GD who else she wanted to go and she chose me. As pleased as I was to to, if she hadn't chosen me, I would have just accepted it.

Pollyperkins...diluting meant that anyone else's presence is viewed as diminishing or taking away from DiLs experience ..rather than as just lovely family time enjoying it! Anyway, I have just about got used to it now, despite disappointment and sadness over missing a great many events that it would have been lovely to share , both for me and my grandson

Just got back from Church, the Nativity paly was great, so so funny, I always cry but this time it was tears of laughter.
Really well written with lots for all the ages of children to do.
There was a Christening before the play, and a lot of visitors for it.
Most of them sat bemused. The play told the story in such a great way, with even a topical Brexit joke too.
The best were the 3 rather dopey Kings who were convinced it was,Gold, Frankinsence and Purr, cue running joke.
Well worth all the work by the teachers and Parents.

Tx Anya you made me laugh out loud! Everything you say is true!Lost count of Nativity prouductions seen(6 kids and married to vicar) as a grandma notice some schools accommodate us with an extra performance but enjoy if we are invited!

I meant to say the forms are completed when the child starts school.

threexnanny, parents are usually asked to complete photo permission forms these days, saying whether or not they agree to their children appearing in photos on the school website or in the press. These are checked out before any photos are taken.

I meant my comment for Anya

Such a humorous reply - love it. Made me laugh